Piccolo, McColl agree on need for road fix

MEMBER for Light Tony Piccolo and Liberal candidate for Light Karen McColl both agree that recent figures released by the RAA proves the Dalkeith Road/Main North Road intersection needs to be higher on the State Government’s priority list.

The RAA last week revealed its most dangerous roads in the state, as determined by the results of its ‘Riskiest Roads in SA’ campaign survey, which asked the public to nominate roads that they felt were most troublesome.

The community voted the Dalkeith Road/Main North Road as the fifth most dangerous junction in SA.

Mr Piccolo, who has campaigned for upgrades to the road since 2014, and Ms McColl, who has recently joined the fight for the intersection, both said the concerning intersection is now backed by the figures.

“From my discussions with DPTI (Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure) officials, they certainly understand the risks and are very supportive of the intersection undergoing a major upgrade,” Mr Piccolo said.

“I remain hopeful that it will get the nod this year.

“If for some reason it doesn’t happen, I will continue fighting for it until it happens.”

Ms McColl said the figures prove it is time for action.

“The figures are self-explanatory really, and I just think it is a matter of time before there is a fatality or a major accident at the intersection,” she said.

“I look at the most recent incidents with police, the ambulance and the firies attending, and you add the value of all of those emergency services attending and you will see that the cost of doing that intersection up is more than covered.

“The Shadow Minister (for Road Safety) Stephan Knoll and I have already tried to bring it to the forefront of the current government what needs to be done.

“I have had community members get in touch with me and they have huge concerns, so certainly it’s time that it is given a high priority and the RAA have certainly backed that up.”

At this stage, the State Government has not committed funds to the Dalkeith Road/Main North intersection, however the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure confirmed it is under consideration for upgrades.

Growing up in Roseworthy and attending Kapunda High School, Laura joins The Bunyip in June, 2016 whilst completing the final year of a double degree in Journalism and International Relations at University of SA. This is Laura's first role as a Journalist following a stint at Gawler Council in the Communications Department. She will cover the news in the Playford and Mallala council regions. Outside of work, Laura enjoys anything health and well-being related, and can be regularly seen shopping for fresh, healthy produce at local markets.